by Dr. Edward W.H. Vick, retired professor and author of Death, Immortality and Resurrection, From Inspiration to Understanding: Reading the Bible Seriously and Faithfully, Philosophy for Believers, Creation: The Christian Doctrine, History and Christian Faith and more!
Does that question mean that we try as believer to say how to believe, or does it mean that we as non-believer are trying to say how not to believe? The question is ambiguous. Whichever way we take it, the exploration is interesting and serious. Shall we contemplate taking it in the first way and then in the other? To discover what we can believe will enable us indeed require us to refuse alternative beliefs. To realise what we cannot believe may lead us to discover what we can believe.
In the one case we are trying to say what to avoid when we are believe. We are then believers, or prospective believers. We conclude, ‘This I can believe.’
In the other case we are trying to say how we shall come not to believe. We are then prospective unbelievers. We conclude, ‘This I cannot believe.’
In both cases, we are concerned with giving ourselves assurance that we are rational in holding our belief on the one hand or on the other rational in abandoning our belief.
To ask the question means that we are serious about our belief. The alternative is to dismiss the question and go on with our belief as if it had never crossed our minds to raise such question. Once it had not. It had become near impossible at a given time for us to be able to raise the question, as we have put it. How can a young child not believe in Father Christmas? How could the medieval churchman, or any other medieval, not believe that the earth was the centre of the universe? How could either raise our question? How can one avoid being deceived when one has neither the means nor the incentive to inquire?
The fact is we find ourselves holding our belief without ever having had to raise any question about it. The corollary to this is that we may find it easy to abandon a belief, easy just to let it go, having become indifferent to asking how we held the belief in the first instance or how we have held it for as long as we have. The belief that promoted and sustained action in our past may become irrelevant in the present. Social support for our belief may no longer sustain it. Changed circumstances may make it otiose.
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Edward W.H. Vick: How Not To Believe
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William Powell Tuck: The Importance of Moral Living
by Dr. William Powell Tuck, friarsfragment.com, retired pastor, professor and author of The Forgotten Beatitude: Worshiping Through Stewardship, A Positive Word for Christian Lamenting: Funeral Homilies, The Church Under the Cross, and more!
In a recent Gallup Poll, it was noted that 80 per cent of persons in the United States said that moral ratings were at the lowest point in seven years. What does that say about the state of our country now? I believe that a part of the origin of our problem in morality is the belief in absolute freedom. Absolute freedom is a myth because no one can do anything that he or she may want to do at any moment without regard for other people. My actions and your actions involve others, and we are never totally isolated in what we say or do in any particular moment. Rules do have importance in life. Persons are, of course, more important than rules. Jesus indicated that persons were more important than regulations about the Sabbath Day. Persons were more important than the rigid legalism of the Jewish system that focused on minor details of the law. But Jesus did give us some principles about life in the Sermon on the Mount and in his other teachings. His teachings offer guidance on how we are to think about ourselves and how to relate to others in society. To say that there are no rules by which a Christian, a Jew, a Muslim, or an unbeliever lives, and that each is free to make up his or her own rules, is, in my opinion, to misrepresent that person’s faith or tradition. The Ten Commandments are still valid as basic guidelines for living. As a Christian, I seek to follow Christ and to incorporate the principles of his life and teachings into my own life, and I think persons of other faith traditions need to do the same with their teachings.
A father of twelve children who lived in a house with only one bathroom, once said: ”Rules are not an option here. They are a necessity!” And so are moral principles. When we try to live in the world, rules are not just optional, they are essential. This is true not only in individual relationships but most especially when we move to the wider dimension of society at large. What I do privately not only affects me, but it also touches other people. In society, I may live a private moral life but my morality must also move over into the business world where I work, and in the industrial and financial world in which I am involved. “He who claims he doesn’t need anyone is either ignorant or a liar,” Michel Quoist writes, “because he lives thanks to other people who have engendered life since the beginning of time. If he refuses to live for others, he is a parasite. He grows by feeding off his brothers.”
Over eighty years ago Reinhold Niebuhr, one of the great moral theologians of the last century, wrote a book entitled Moral Man and Immoral Society. In this book, he addressed the issue of morality in one’s private life and the difference in morality in our business, industrial, national, and other collective areas. Persons can often do very immoral things in the collective areas of life and never see how that is immoral. Niebuhr’s challenge echoes the biblical demand that morality is an absolute necessity in our business practice and in all our public as well as private relations with people. Morality is not limited to one’s private life, as important as that is, but moral values should permeate our relationships in business, industry, government, and other collective institutions. Walter Rauschenbusch has reminded us that “sin is not a private transaction between the sinner and God.” “Humanity always crowds the audience-room when God holds court,” he declares. Amos had cried for justice in the land of Israel, “seek good and not evil … Hate evil and love good; enthrone justice in the courts” (Amos 5:14-15, NEB).
Morality is not merely what one thinks is correct in the moment. Too many people depend on their conscience alone. They assume that if one thinks it is the decent thing to do that will make it okay. They declare that they will let conscience be the guide. I am sometimes very troubled by some people who want to follow their conscience, because their conscience does not seem strong enough morally to give them the kind of guidance which they need for a valid decision. When decency has no spiritual rootage, I believe, it is based primarily on what some individual thinks is right or wrong. I am very frightened of those who want to let their conscience be their primary guide. Some people have too easily and quickly let their conscience become twisted and distorted by all kinds of negative influences upon it.
I have often wondered if we would do certain things, if we would give it the publicity test. How would you like for certain acts or deeds which you have done to be reported in the local newspaper, or on the local television, or Facebook or to be reported in the paper of your church, or synagogue or in the community? None of us may want some dark deeds done in the shadows to be put into the public eye. But one of the tests for our morality might be, “Can it stand the test of daylight and exposure in the public arena? Can it stand the public test of those around me–my friends, and others? Do I want private acts to be known in public circles? “You won’t even achieve enduring external success,” David Brooks attests, “unless you build a solid moral code.”
Some politicians have later gotten into great difficulty because of indiscrete acts they engaged in earlier in life. So, you and I should seek to live in such a way that our lives are not destroyed later by the acts we may do in the darkness or in times of weakness. Learn to let the test of publicity remind us that our moral lives are evidence that we have been challenged to live morally in the light or dark places of our lives.
I heard about a woman who had lost her sense of touch. She could place her hand on a hot stove and be burned badly because she could not feel it. Her hand could be literally frozen to a block of ice because she could not feel the pain. A pin could be stuck in her hand and she could not feel it. That is a great tragedy and danger. What an even greater tragedy it would be for those of us who are supposed to be children of God, if we lose our sense of feeling for what is right and wrong. Injustice, immorality, and unethical behavior are too much evident in our land and around the world. We are challenged not only to do what is right and moral ourselves, but we must seek to see that justice and righteousness is directed and administered for all persons regardless of their race, sex or sexual preference, religion, creed, political alliance, economic status, belief, or non-belief.
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Enough?
by Elgin Hushbeck, Jr., Engineer, teacher, Christian apologist, and author of Preserving Democracy, What is Wrong with Social Justice?, A Short Critique of Climate Change, Christianity and Secularism, and Evidence for the Bible.
The Left has become unhinged. Like some sci-fi robot spinning around spewing sparks as it is unable to process the data given it, the Left has been unable to process the fact that Donald Trump was elected president.
Even though they had been highly critical of Trump during the campaign when he would not commit in advance to accepting the results of the election, from the moment Trump’s victory was announced many on the Left refused to accept it and began working to overturn the election.
Of course, there were the obligatory but meaningless protests that are the staple of the Left. As if the protests of a hundred thousand on the streets could overturn the votes of millions in the democratic process. Then some sought to challenge the election result themselves by demanding recounts even in some states where Trump won by comfortable margins.
When it became clear that this was not going to work, others tried to persuade some electors in the Electoral College to change their vote and thereby deny Trump the Presidency. When that failed, there was an effort to review the 25th Amendment and its means of removing a President who is unfit for office. When that likewise proved to be a dry hole, the focus became the meme that Trump had worked with Russia to rig the election and therefore should be removed.
Now there is no question that Russia tried to interfere in the election. That is not, or at least should not be, anything new or surprising. This was reported during the election itself and frankly Russia, like most governments, tries to influence other nations, one aspect of which includes trying to influence their elections.
What was surprising in the Left’s charge was not that the Russia meddled, but that they did so with the help of Trump. In short Putin and Trump colluded to rig the election. This would imply that the election was illegitimate and thus invalid and in theory Trump would be thrown out.
The main problem for the left in all this, was that while there is certainly evidence that Russia meddled, there is no evidence that their meddling was significant, i.e., that it changed the outcome of the election. Whether your view is that Trump won the election, or just that Clinton lost, they did so on their own. The Russians did not send Trump to the key Midwest swing states, nor keep Clinton out of them, nor did they have Clinton set up a secret email server and then constantly change her story about it.
But even worse for the Left is the fact there is likewise no evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. What currently passes as “evidence” are innuendo and assumptions that would make Joseph McCarthy blush. A recent example would be the story about how investigators discovered 18 undisclosed contacts between those in the Trump campaign and “Russian officials and others with Kremlin ties.” At least in McCarthy’s day you had to be or have been a communist. Now you just need to get a phone call or email from someone in Russia to be suspect.
Despite all the air play this supposedly shocking revelation had, for those who went past the headline and actually read a few paragraphs into the story discovered that those who had actually seen them saw “no evidence of wrongdoing or collusion between the campaign and Russia in the communications reviewed so far.” But then why let such inconvenient facts get in the way of trying to undermine the Trump Presidency?
Nor is this story unique. While there are several investigations ongoing, those who have actually seen the evidence and have spoken up, have said so far there is no evidence of collusion. Such statements do not just come from the President’s supporters, but from his opponents like Democratic Senator Diana Feinstein, or Former FBI Director Comey. In fact, the lack of evidence has become so clear that at Comey’s hearing most of the questions on collusion came from Republicans, as Democrats seem to realize there is no evidence and have moved on to the much more nebulous and thus safer questions of obstruction. Meanwhile, other Democrats in Congress filed suit against the President because non-Americans sometime stay in Trump hotels and then also file an impeachment bill in the House just to top things off.
All of this would be little more that political theater except for the fact that increasingly overheated rhetoric and hate filled charges of traitorous behavior, undermining the country, stealing the election and the like, took a serious turn when a former Sanders supporter tried to kill Republicans at a baseball practice.
Neither side is completely blameless in the area of over-heated rhetoric and this event raises the question of where is the line? What is the difference between legitimate and illegitimate disagreement? I think there are two key factors to consider in the answer to this question.
First, particularly for Christians, is the truth. Are the charges made true or at least is there a basis for them beyond the political needs of the one making the charge? If this standard was applied to the Russian probe, it would disappear at least from the news, as there is no “there” there. One might argue that the investigations might come up with some evidence and while true, one could say the same thing about any charge made against anyone. Sure banks do get robbed, but there is no evidence that Obama robbed a bank, but the fact that in theory one might find some does not justify an investigation and Congressional hearings to see if any evidence could be found. Nor would it justify the changes of obstruction of justice if Obama complained about such an investigation. But that is essentially where we are with Trump and Russia.
The second, also an important one for Christians, is to love those you oppose and part of this is to give them the benefit of the doubt. Here the playing field is not quite as level. While there are certainly exceptions it has long been noted that while those on the Right tend to see those they disagree with as wrong, those on the Left tend to see those they disagree with as, in some fashion, morally corrupt.
Whether it be the minimum wage, Obamacare, etc, Republicans tend to argue that liberals are wrong and that their polices do not work or are harmful. Liberals, on the other hand, will tend to argue that conservatives do not care, are selfish, greedy, etc. In short that they are bad people. I would argue that being a bad person is significantly different than being a person who is wrong.
One would hope that the recent shooting would shake up the political leaders on both sides. The comment and actions of those in both parties following the shooting, including the statement of Ryan, Pelosi and Trump were a good step in the right direction.
Sure we will get back to our disagreements and arguments, but we should be careful to make sure that we value the truth more than our agenda and that we strive to see those on the other side of the
political spectrum as people who are just as good and caring as we are, but who have a different ideal as to what is the best thing to do. In short, that they are people with whom we simply disagree, and that is okay.
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Is Doctrinal Indifference Anti-intellectual Idolatry?
by Dr. Allan R. Bevere, pastor, professor and author of Colossians and Philemon: A Participatory Study Guide, The Politics of Witness: The Character of the Church in the World, and The Character of our Discontent.
In a book, New Testament scholar Scot McKnight co-writes with Dennis Venema, entitled Adam and the Genome: Reading Scripture after Genetic Science, Scot addresses the issue of deconversion from the Christian faith. His primary concern is “the number one reason Christians leave the faith and the number one reason non-Christians find the Christian faith untrustworthy is the issue of the Bible and science” (p. 171). When Christians pit the Bible against science the result is a type of anti-intellectualism at work that sadly has pushed too many people out of and/or away from the faith because they cannot reconcile what really is settled science overall with a particular and deeply flawed interpretation of the Bible, particularly the opening chapters of Genesis. Since some feel they have to choose between one or the other, they all too often choose science over an unteneble understanding of the biblical text.
There should be no mistaking that this deconversion has a serious intellectual component. Scot writes,Each [deconvert], for a variety of reasons, encountered issues and ideas and experiences that simply shook the faith beyond stability. In essence, those who leave the faith discover a profound, deep-seated, and existentially unnerving intellectual incoherence to the Christian faith.
While Scot’s concern is with how one reads the Bible in reference to genetic science, I want to take Scot’s concern over the anti-intellectual approach some Christians take in reference to scientific inquiry and apply it to a different, albeit a similar kind of anti-intellectualism among another group of Christians– the doctrinally indifferent. [Read more … ]
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Resurrection As Fulfillment
by Dr. Edward W.H. Vick, retired professor and author of Death, Immortality and Resurrection, From Inspiration to Understanding: Reading the Bible Seriously and Faithfully, Philosophy for Believers, Creation: The Christian Doctrine, History and Christian Faith and more!
Through the resurrection God brings into being His new people, the community of resurrection faith. The spokesmen of this earliest faith, the writers of our New Testament, related what God had done in Jesus Christ to what He had done in Old Testament days. They read what God had done in Jesus Christ in the light of what He had promised and what He had done in the history of the Hebrew people. They saw that, in different ways, the revelation of God to Israel had now been fulfilled in Jesus Christ and in His new community, the church of the resurrection. Jesus, as the act of God, had come to them from a past in which talk of God’s activity was assumed at the very basis of faith. It was this knowledge of God, as a God of mighty acts, a saving God who moved to effect the health and the salvation and righteousness of His people, that enabled the Christian believers to proclaim that in the resurrection of Jesus there was manifest the decisive act of God.
Resurrection is God’s act. This was the message of the early Christian preachers. It was God who raised up Jesus from the dead, and in this act fulfilled his promises. Now that they could confess resurrection of Jesus from the dead, the Christian believers could take a second look at the prophecies of the Old Testament and the great promises of God to the key figures in the history of Israel. In this way, God’s promises to Israel were viewed in a new light. A most important conviction emerged (as stated in II Corinthians 1:20): ‘All the promises of God find their Yes in Him’ (R.S.V). The Old Testament was thus seen as a series of anticipatory promises, whose meaning and purpose could be seen only in the light of God’s act in raising Jesus from the dead. Thus, the books of the Old Testament came to be read for the encouragement of the churches, and as source materials for the confession of faith in Jesus Christ. The promises therein written were now seen to contain new possibilities. The Gospel of God had been promised ‘beforehand by His prophets in the holy Scriptures’ (Romans 1:2). ‘For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope’ (Romans 15:4).
What we have in Jesus Christ, according to the interpretation of the New Testament, is the future of the promises given to the Hebrews and documented in their sacred Scriptures. ‘Remembering the promise issued aforetime means asking about the future in the past.’ The Old Testament is a book of anticipation. The New Testament believed that it could look back from the vantage point of a fulfilment and see the meaning of what was said.
One could approach the past with a new set of questions, and receive illumination as one did so. Was this indeed what the promises really meant? If so, the future of the promises may have to be seen as quite different from what had been customarily and for long years expected. The anticipations and the questions took new shape as the answer gave a hint of what should be awaited and of what should be asked. It was in the light of the certainty of the answer that had been given in the act of God in the resurrection of Jesus Christ that the Old Testament, now seen as anticipatory of what had taken place, could be (as indeed it was) taken into the Christian community as a ‘sacred’ book.
God’s act in the resurrection is His saving act in the world, His world, the world of His creation. That act is God’s creative word directed toward man in his need. God’s last word is not the destruction of sinful man in death. Jesus, who had identified Himself with the sinner, was put to death upon the cross. But crucifixion is not the last word. In the resurrection of this man there is revealed for the first time the possibility of a new relationship between God and the man whom he has judged in death — which means the revelation of a new situation in which God and the sinner are reconciled. God’s last word is not the destruction of sinful man in death but the foundation of a new life through the resurrection. In the raising of the Crucified, it is revealed that the peccator (sinner) can at the same time also be justus (righteous).
In Jesus, man’s salvation is not simply promised, as it is in the prophets. In Jesus, in the resurrection, man’s salvation is realised. In Jesus, the union between God and man is made complete. Resurrection follows death as the act of God. In Jesus Christ, the divine righteousness has happened among men in the presence of this man. Through the resurrection divine righteousness comes to the unjust. He is raised for our justification (Romans 4:25), that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. (II Corinthians 5:21) -
Gathering of the Eternal Five: Samuel, Son of Tremiyo (cont)
When Onofrio’s inner clock woke him up, it found Horacio sound asleep on his father’s chest. Senobia rested her head on his right arm softly snoring. Her leg was draped over his knee and wore a faint smile on her happy face. He was captured in a tangle of warm loving flesh and he smiled at his good fortune. Onofrio had long been accustomed to waking up shortly before the sun shed first light on the world. Delicately extricating himself from the loving mesh that held him, he tip-toed slowly to the door and quietly slid it open. As expected there was a vague creamy glow brushing the far side of the hills. The sky was a mat of hazy purple blue and only a faint star hung on to its glow in the eastern part of heaven. An invisible breeze blew in a lazy swirl as if not anxious to began another heated day. Stepping out onto the patio seemingly alone, he felt a small hand find his own in a warm grip. It was Horacio, come to be with his dad as had become his morning ritual. It was good training for his young son.
Together they washed their faces and literally sneaked into their clothes before the girls in their lives woke up. The kitchens of Serou were already a buzzing storm of activity. Tremiyo, general in command was seen at his usual pace sampling, checking, ordering and being king of his domain. Serou was entertaining a large group of people later today and Tremiyo would never be caught unprepared. Serou’s hospitality would never suffer an unkind word. Attention to detail was Tremiyo’s key to success. This morning even the cricket traps attracted his attention. There would be guests that relished crickets soaked in honey as a sweet treat. Locusts were out of season.
Kitchen staff was now accustomed to Onofrio and young Horacio come to breakfast and be with Tremiyo. It indicated a family time they admired. A tray with bowls of steaming wheat porridge arrived. Along came a pitcher of fresh milk and small bowls of honey. Warm bread straight from the ovens kept company by creamy butter and fruits preserved in an earthen jar. Cheese curds in an oval bowl shaped like a ship. There was enough food to feed an army of children and Onofrio looked at the serving girl in question. The girl pointed to the door and there stood Senobia with Sintia and Angelica coming to have breakfast with the men in their lives. The girls swamped their father with affection and Horacio made an effort to push them away as if they were invading his private space. Sibling rivalry, it’s been called.
It was not long before Samuel showed up. He too had grown fond of the morning activity in the kitchens of Serou. It seemed to set the mood of the day. He was going to Pontius Pilate this morning and would receive instructions from someone regarding his duties. Wagons, surreys and chariot were tools Samuel grew up using. Where he may not be considered an expert, He was nonetheless quiet capable. Horses, camels and donkeys had been his childhood toys.
As a group they occupied Tremiyo’s headquarters table entirely. After the children were attended and she had her kiss or two from Onofrio she addressed her brother Samuel. Sam did not know that Senobia could be quiet demanding when her spurs were rattled.
“I want to know why you choose to associate with that woman Magdalene. Every mouth in town has a tainted rumor to tell about her. From childhood ‘til now she’s been a fountain of unfavorable stories. I have no right to tell you what to do or not do. But I have a right to protect my husband’s reputation. I will not have it be said that Onofrio was seen in the company of that woman. Onofrio tells me that you wish to gather information about Jesus of Nazareth for what purpose is unclear.” She was red in the face and Tremiyo saw that from across the room. Knowing his daughter was stomping the dirt about something he had to come see.
”I have volumes of prayers and speeches recorded in my keep. Father and I attended many of His meetings and father instructed me to write down what I heard. I did that for a considerable length of time. My notes are numbered and dated as father instructed me,” Senobia was riding a high wave of information she dumped on her brother. Who happened to be dumbstruck by his younger sister’s tirade. Onofrio simply crossed his arms and stayed clear of her fire. Tremiyo heard only the last part of her speech. He calmly settled down with Sintia immediately in her papa’s arm.
“Senobia dear, the notes you took and recorded for us to read at a later time, did you hear those directly from the Nazarene?”
“Father dear, you know I did.” And she took a defensive pose.
“Senobia dear, what you’ve heard about Magdalene, the opinions you have formed are based on second or third hand information. You seem to forget that gossip is contagious. You choose to put aside a lesson I taught you many years ago, ‘Thou should not judge, lest thou be judged.” You commit a sin by judging without proof. Have you seen Magdalene commit a sin? Have you explored her mind to know why she acts the way she does? Are you judging her from the one time you saw her sashay cross the street? If you base your opinion on that incident then I’ve been talking to a rock instead of you. Magdalene is thought of as a sinner by enough people. Your contribution is not needed. Instead of all that you should pray for her forgiveness, pray for her welfare. Pray that God has a plan for her. Then you will be the daughter I raised to be a righteous and honorable individual. Speak no more ill of her in this house and cleanse your soul of any misgivings you may harbor. Finally think on this, people that raise falsehoods against her are equally guilty of sin as they say she is.” Senobia was not that easily put on a shelf and she then spoke to Onofrio, “I have a right to protect your reputation. You could make it easier for me if you stayed away from her.” And Onofrio saw a light tinge of green on her cheeks. Jealousy, plain pea green jealousy. Between chuckles suppressed with effort, he pointed a finger at her in a jovial manner and spoke to Horacio, “Your mama is jealous, pea green with jealousy.” And when he laughed, so did Horacio.
It was Samuel’s turn to speak laughingly and looking over to his father he addressed Senobia, “Sister dear, father is right in this respect. Things said about her, for whatever reason may be false. The woman I met last night was not at all what the rumors say. I shook the hand of a lady devoted to helping the poor, heal the sick and bring the words of her god to those that want to hear it. I saw no trace of sinfulness about her. We visited and she spoke of her obligations to some disciples and the works of the Nazarene. Hardly a sinful endeavor, if I may say. I was expecting a far more exotic or glamorous woman with flirty eyes and wiggling when she walked. I should not say but, I was somewhat disappointed. I would dare to say that if she was what people say, she would not surround herself with holy men on a godly mission. I’m not sure, I cannot say but there is some logic in what I say about her. She called me a friend and I chose to believe she was sincere. I saw no reason to feel otherwise.”
Tremiyo eyed his son carefully then cautiously asked, “You didn’t spend your entire time herding camels while you were on your Chinese adventure, did you?”
“No sir, Amin Hassan is an earthly man. He drinks and curses something fierce. He praises Allah with every breath and I’ve seen him bow to his God many times. He has a respect for honesty although he doesn’t practice it full time. Only when it’s convenient and profitable.”
“Why didn’t you try to come home sooner, if you knew where home was?” Tremiyo asked not from idle curiosity. But, wanting to know.
“Sir, Amin Hassan taught me many things. One of them was to always protect myself from danger. Without the security of the caravan I would be in extreme danger, by myself. For a long time, I was afraid of the night. I suffered nightmares from seeing my mother brutally murdered by that bandit. Amin Hassan was there to see me though those terrible nights. I did not have the courage to try and find my way home by myself. I’m sorry to sound cowardly, but the dangers of the trail were extremely real to me. I’m grateful to Amin Hassan for bringing me here. Tremiyo felt a painful stab to this heart from hearing that. He momentarily saw his young son in a hostile environment, alone and suffering nightmares from his ordeal. At such a time, the circle of loving arms provided by Senobia, her father and Samuel was a welcome haven reserved for them only. There’s no need to say how freely their tears flowed.
Onofrio walked away to be alone. He too had been kidnapped in childhood. He knew the dangers of the trail. He had been left there to die. His childhood years cruised through his mind as he surveyed the circle of family swaying to the rhythm of their hearts in happy union. His ordeal happened a lifetime ago. And yet today, he still felt tormented by the loss of his father and mother in that distant farm somewhere close to Granada, in Iberia. He fixed that location in his mind as being his personal heaven. He would go there, one day.
The morning meal provided a touch on their spirits to serve as a silent adhesive to their lives. A deeper sense of family. One could say. The sun had barely cleared the hill tops. The morning clatter of birds had long been their daily symphony. Now partly ignored by familiarity. The sky was a tapestry of godly art. Today Nature was putting forth a special effort in the flawless blue of heaven and a special shade of gold to fleck wispy clouds with sprinkles of early light. Samuel was meeting Pontius Pilate, later this morning.
But unbeknown to the general public, even Pontius Pilate was subject to marital difficulties. This morning he spoke to his wife, Claudia in what to her was a familiar tone of keeping his temper barely in check. “I’ve asked you politely numerous times not to associate with that woman, Magdalene. Your maid Irma, told me that you went to Bethany last night to hear this Magdalene woman speak. Not only that, you drove yourself there in one of my prize chariots. Claudia, these Jews do not like us. You put yourself in mortal danger by going out at night, unescorted. Should you be harmed, I would have to bring out an army to your aid or castigate your attackers.” Claudia, much to her husband’s chagrin never forgot that she was a free Roman citizen. She had the liberty to do pretty much what she wished to do. She was a direct descendant of a royal family. Her mother’s name was Julia, the daughter of Emperor, Augustus Caesar. And though she respected that she and Pilate were husband and wife, she nonetheless held on to her royal liberty. She resented and rebelled against him dictating to her.
Distant and coldly she answered, “Mary of Magdala is my friend. One of the few people I can call a friend without ulterior motives. She wants nothing of me and I want to learn about Isis from her.” Claudia answered her husband while brushing her hair. Attentive to his spiel but distant in a feminine fashion. Shiny healthy Auburn hair in long strands to her shoulders. A natural curl, she jealously guarded with care and attention. Her eyes could be called green and sometimes in the proper light could be seen as grey. She had an unpretentious imperial glide to her step. A lesson she learned in court as a young girl. Her feminine attributes were the envy of countless females. She was sought after by the local social circles. Be they Roman or the upper crust of Judea. It was common practice to first consult Claudia regarding any given problem prior to going to Pontius Pilate. And he knew it. The practice irked him at first until he realized that people coming to him for favors had been screened by his wife.
Her husband continued ignoring her indifference, “Claudia, her reputation is that of a prostitute. The streets are filled with her adventures in darkened dens. I don’t like the name of my wife associated with such tales. Understand that my concern is for your welfare as well as my life’s companion. You’re my wife and I care a great deal for you.” (That was as close as he could come to saying, I love you.)
“My dear Pontius, I am completely in tune to your feelings. I respect your regard for me. Please allow me to add that if you know without question that Mary of Magdala is a prostitute then be kind and not let me know. She suffers enough opinions from her own people without yours. Your voice would be the final nail in the local condemnation. I would even dare to say that Rome and Judea both expect far greater things to fall in your grasp of attention instead of baseless local gossip more in keeping with bored house wives.”
Like a great ship without wind, the powerful procurator of almighty Rome came to sit by his wife and took her hand. “My precious Claudia, leave all that aside and tell me why we need another Godly figure in my house. Jupiter is god enough for us both. Jupiter saved you from the turbulence of your youth and brought you here and be safe with me. You have been assigned to me as my wife by royal decree. Tiberius loves you. You are his blood kin. I am responsible for your safety. You ask me to reserve my opinion about your friend and I ask you to consider me the shield of your safety and help me protect you.” Pontius was of all things, still a politician.
Through the twisted paths of family history young Claudia came to be a princess in the royal court of Rome. History would only vaguely record that her mother Julia’s, disrespect for her marital vows was an embarrassment to her father Emperor Tiberius. Because of her numerous indiscretions, he was forced to exile her to the wild isle of Pandataria. Later out of kindness and parental concern he had her moved inland to a less hostile place. She was nonetheless still in exile and there she would die. Her numerous indiscretions were her judge and executioner. Claudia knew her family history far better than anybody. Based on that ruthless fact young Claudia had ample reason to respect her marital vows. Leave us not forget that she was an extremely attractive young woman. A prize sought by many admirers that would delight in her obvious charms and more so from what a union with her would provide. Some adventure seekers would want her only as a boasting prize. A bar room brag. Careful summation declared that nobody could come close to the love she felt for the young valiant warrior she fell in love with. Nobody could give her the liberties she enjoyed being the wife of the most powerful man in all Judea.
Claudia was an intelligent young woman. She had pride in her royal blood and did not need empty compliments to boost her self esteem. She had been schooled by the best tutors Rome had to offer. Her natural curiosity was a useful implement she used to nourish her intellect. She knew politics from first-hand experience. The royal court in Rome had been her childhood classroom. Her class mates, a vital source of countless views.
She rose from her vanity chair and dropped her outer robes to the floor. Clothed in a sheer negligee her body with its slight feminine curves and flawless skin were still a masculine inspiration to her husband, after all this time. He knew not what bodily ointment she always used. Today, in the early morning breeze the pleasant odor reached his attention. Automatically visions of past encounters blazed through his mind. He gazed at her near nudity in lusty inspiration and took a deep breath to calm the man within. In her usual casual stride she went to a nearby closet to investigate its contents for today’s proper attire. As if she had learned it from him, her concentrated attention elsewhere was his silent dismissal.
Claudia’s interest in the Goddess Isis also stemmed from her ability to often see events in the future before they happened. Typically Roman she was also superstitious. She did not seek a remedy for this ability so much as she sought an explanation. She had foreseen disaster in her husband’s prosecution of Iesus of Nazareth. She saw horror befall him for crucifying such an innocent man.
Pilate had no other way around it. She told Pilate that her supplication to Iesus healed their son Pilo of his club foot. Pilate, given his just due was an amateur attorney. He dealt in facts. In proof positive. This land was overrun by fairy tales and baseless miracles. He knew the story of the resurrection of Lazarus, four days dead. He was convinced it was a clever theatrical trick. Well executed, but nonetheless still a trick. Dead men did not walk away from their graves. But, Lazarus did.
He had suffered in throat gripping silence his disappointment that his son would never be a military man with his affliction. The man had a right to be proud of himself and his accomplishments. He was from a respectable tribe in central Italy and hard earned his way to be an equestrian knight within three aristocratic orders. He harbored illusions of his son bringing glory to their family name. He and Claudia could well be called to some high office in Rome where he knew she longed to be. She never voiced it but he knew that Rome called to her heart. He castigated her in remote silence. But then he saw himself and his wife receiving praise from the emperor and respect from the crowd. He felt the cheers blush his face and his chest fill with a pride that would never happen. Pilo had a club foot and was deemed a military reject. He took no solace in castigating his wife for her inability to deliver a son free of blemish. It was typically the thing men did. He turned his back and refused to speak to her. Their marriage suffered a freeze. The day Claudia brought Pilo to him and had the boy demonstrate his flawless stride and healed foot, he simply gave Claudia an inquisitive look and did not accept her story. He did not accuse her of lying but he could not believe that a street healer, a son of a carpenter from a throw away village could do such a thing. Gods mended broken humans. not this Jesus individual.
Out of sheer kindness or something deeper, he refused to declare that it was his appeal and sacrifices to Jupiter that brought the miracle about. It was Jupiter, almighty Jupiter that healed his son and not some homeless beggar on the street.
Pilate was not altogether a cold-hearted man. He saw the tears flowing down his beloved Claudia’s face . He saw the relief in her eyes that she had redeemed her failure to give him a flawless son. She was doing it now, full grown. His heartfelt kindness allowed her to have the credit and mend the rift in their marriage. Love has countless ways of making itself be known.
And Claudia? Did she love her husband? Though she condemned him fiercely for crucifying Iesus she reserved a secluded spot where she hid her love for him. She acknowledged in silence his precarious political position. Rome was a demanding mistress and Pilate was not a favorite item of adoration. She was wise enough to know that almighty Rome would rattle the rafters seeking a replacement for her husband.
Judea was an assignment turned down by several qualified prospects. It was hell on earth. It was a torment on the logical judgment of renown scholars. Various learned councilors were consulted for guidance or solutions to the Judean problem. None came forward with an acceptable solution. One suggested. they all be put in chains and sold back to Egypt. Cleanse the land of them and establish an eastern Rome.
Herod Antipas knew well that the instigator of John’s beheading was his wife, Herodius. And yet was defenseless against her will. She was king Herodius, the ambitious one in quest of greater recognition and power. Her husband was a limp tool with no force of his own. For which time would pay him a just penalty. That too was known to Pontius Pilate. He logged it in his mind. It may have been a bridge he need burn and not cross. Top level politics are tricky ground on which to navigate. High points and pitfalls are known to follow each other in circles. Pilate knew that also. He knew, his position in Judea was precarious. He hoped for greater things to come from his faithful service and sacrifice.
The greatest torment was his castigation by Claudia. She was a dream fulfilled he never tired of. She was a love so deep he could not imagine life without her. He knew she had mellowed towards him. He blamed his added weight, his newly acquired habits and his mind always crowded with problems tinted in Jewish tones. His efforts to maintain a respectable figure before his countless appointments proved to be a pitfall. He was constantly combed, wiped, perfumed and changed into fresh robes until he gained an unwelcome femininity. His cheeks were tinted, his lips glossed, his eye lashes trimmed and his hands in constant care. His fingernails became polished pearls. Claudia was repelled by such gross attention on a man of his stature and importance. His efforts to mimic Augustus, Tiberius and top heads of the Roman Hierarchy became a comedy act, Claudia despised. Her childhood in Roman courts provided the true images and Pilate’s mimicry fell short.
The day had hardly started and all these thoughts already weighed him down. He almost hated to make his usual appearance. His personal feelings forced aside, he donned the official mask of procurator of almighty Rome. Chief Judge and executioner over all Israel. Added to his dislike was the mundane chore of collecting taxes. Due today.
He came close to inviting Claudia to share the first meal of the day with him. But she was busy with her maid Irma, selecting the proper robes for today. He decided to arrange vacation time at their home in Caesarea Maritima on the coast. A time alone to mend their damaged bonds. And when he left her, Claudia discharged her maid Irma permanently and threw herself on the bed to cry.
The world was making a detour around her youth. The valiant hero warrior she adored as a young girl was vanishing before her eyes. His hair was rapidly leaving making him a stone faced near bald dictator of Roman law. His robes betrayed the bulge his abdomen became. He saundered in his walk as if always tired. His private times with her had faded into memories of another place. A time when he carried her to their couch and feasted on rich culinary delights he ordered specially for her. He had snow harvested from the distant mountain tops to cool her drinks and delight her with novelty treats made with the white foamy magic of the gods. Their taste for wine was a cherished union they enjoyed as if those times would never end. He had musicians and entertainers to please her artistic interests. He brought in poets to read to her exclusively and she adored it. Rome was far away but here she was queen without challenge. Here she was the supreme Goddess her husband adored. As he often proved with vigor. Even the happy times with their children had faded into a distant past. She sought relief from the reclusive scenes their marriage had become. He knew no word of praise for her efforts to recapture his interest in her. She suspected that he had acquired a mistress. She sought out Magdalene as a consultant to her dilemma. She reached out to the teachings of Isis to add calm to her tormented soul. She went deep into her lessons and almost became a priestess. And yes, she loved her husband dearly. She would do anything to regain the happy times they shared. Judea, stone hard, sand blown Judea robbed her of a loving, attentive husband. She never forgot that for better or for worse, she was Pontius Pilate’s wife. She would always be. In a confusing frenzy she yearned for Rome and knew not why. In a fleeting moment of despair she remembered her loving grandfather Tiberius. She loved the man and he loved her dearly as a child. He caught her more than once mimicking his imperial posture. He filled with joy to see this lovely child put out her chin, hold her shoulders back and give the audience a royal glare. She imitated his walk flushing her oversize robes behind her as he often did. He saw in her a miniature portrait of himself. He was deeply touched by the fact that the truest compliment one can give is duplication. She duplicated his imperial person with love and doubtless admiration. She was only a child and knew not to deceive with false compliments. He was genuine love and security she felt a need of. All that was another place faded by time and distance. But she yearned for the truth she felt in her grandfather’s arms. That love was unquestioned and undemanding. No empty pretense required.
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Gathering of the Eternal Five: Samuel, Son of Tremiyo
Chapter 6
Samuel, Son of Tremiyo
(74)
A pleasant coolness filled the evening where the sun had spent the day. Tremiyo and Camia found their usual sitting places after a busy day in the city with Senobia and the children. They had decided to have dinner in the patio where it was cooler. Remnants of clouds were painted in awesome shades of purple with glowing embers of copper and gold. They looked like windblown banners frozen in place. Birds still squawked and chirped overhead as if arguing over their bedroom accommodations. Bathed and refreshed, they waited for their staff to serve dinner. Anxiously they anticipated Onofrio, Senobia and the children to join them as an expected ritual. They had grown accustomed to sharing the evening meal together and discuss issues at hand. It was a private family time cherished by all. Baby Sintia would not be happy unless she sat close to her papa. Horacio was always seated next to his dad. While Senobia tended to Angelica and remained ready to serve her husband’s needs. In that happy aura of peace and love there was no space for disruption. No sooner had the thought occurred that a messenger from the outer gate came to Tremiyo. “Sir, two strangers are at the gate asking to be brought to you. The older man said he knew you from the days when you had an inn not far from here.” Not ready for unexpected company and guessing that the visitors were looking for a place to sleep and a free meal, Tremiyo reluctantly shrugged his shoulders and signaled with his head to bring the guests in. Joyful tidbits of conversation continued as Tremiyo hand fed his pride and joy, baby Sintia. Tremiyo could not measure the degree of joy he felt sharing a meal with the little girl. He felt rewarded by such a happy union with the child.
In hobbled a dark skinned man seemingly in his middle years, with an unkempt bearded wearing an eye patch and struggling with a crutch. With him came a hooded man whose stride indicated a younger individual and was attentive to the older man’s physical impairment. The older man directed his gaze at Tremiyo to exclaim in obvious joy, “Tremiyo, you old camel trader. You haven’t changed a bit.” By then the man had Tremiyo’s hand firmly in his grip and shaking it almost off the socket. His look became one of disappointment when he clearly saw Tremiyo did not recognize him. “I know, you’re wondering who in the devil’s name this is? I lost an eye to road bandits and an arrow in my leg makes it hard to walk. I am Amin Hassan, the caravan chief. It took almost two heart beats for Tremiyo to grasp and fit the name into his understanding. Stunned and incredulous Tremiyo sought to sit down while Amin still held on to their handshake. “Almost twenty years ago, I bought a boy from a road bandit I did business with a few times. The boy was scared near out of his wits and was docile and obedient. He gave me one look that pleaded, I save him. Having lost my wife and son a few years back, I bought the boy to replace my loss.” Tremiyo’s heart was in furious rhythm. He was shaking severely as old memories went racing through his mind. Onofrio came to lay a hand on his distraught father-in-law’s shoulder. “Easy now, papa,” Onofrio cautioned. Having heard the story of Sintia’s abduction and murder along with his son being kidnapped Onofrio suddenly grasped the depth of Amin’s statement. Tremiyo struggled to stand up with his hand still firmly in Amin’s grip. His look was one of shock as he looked around to Amin’s companion.
“Tremiyo, this is your long lost son, Samuel. We’ve been to China and had many adventures together on the way to you.” The young man dropped his hood and looked at Tremiyo with hesitant and doubtful eyes. He was a young Tremiyo that nobody could deny. Tremiyo was shaking violently and looked to Onofrio in silent supplication for help. Onofrio slipped his arm around the old man and held him up. Senobia came to his opposite side and was devastated to see her father in such a tormented state. He let go of the arms that supported him and fell to his knees in agonizing wails and torrents of tears. All three were now on their knees with Tremiyo and helped the old man stand up. But, he could not speak. He could only look at the young man and shed rivers of tears with a hand over his lips. He was having trouble accepting the miracle before him. Senobia went to the young man and studied him momentarily then spoke in her muted tone of authority. Satisfied that the young man looked like her father she calmly stated, “If you’re my long lost brother, then I am your sister, Senobia.” Brave hearted Senobia struggled to keep her emotions in check. Samuel responded, “I remember you. I rocked your cradle when you were a baby at “la posada Inn.” No words could have been said that meant more to Tremiyo. Nobody would remember the name of his Inn was “la posada” (the guest house.) except someone that lived there. “La posada,” had been Tremiyo’s pride and joy when Sintia and he lived there. Tremiyo now looked at his son partially recovered from his shock and in silence bade him come into his arms. Family fusion is seldom recognized as such. It is that unique sensation the soul feels when in the presence of a lost relative. It’s the blood calling to be with its own kind. Family reunions come and pass in all degrees. Few could have the depth of Tremiyo’s joy that filled him beyond capacity. His children, His real children were in his arms and the only thing missing was their mother, Sintia. How tormenting it is to have a heart half full of unmeasured happiness and the other half torn in bitter grief. Unashamed Tremiyo kissed Samuel on both cheeks and for a long moment held him close where two hearts beat as one. Tremiyo’s heart was filled to capacity and reached overflow when Samuel took his face to say, “You’re just the way I always remembered you.”
Camia, poor orphan Camia suddenly felt very much out of place. She knew in her heart that stories of Tremiyo’s love for the deceased Sintia would be coming forth soon. And she had no place to run. With Samuel on one side and Senobia on the other Tremiyo sat to ask an infinity of questions. He need not have asked, Amin Hassan was there to fill in the missing years. Onofrio seeing Camia’s lament came to her side and held her close. She was in a sense, Onofrio’s extra mother. Gently, lovingly he whispered in her ear, “It’s time to make your place be known. Do it bravely.” Then gently nudged her into the presence of the reunited family. She would be forever grateful to Onofrio for once there Tremiyo happily introduced her to Samuel, “This is your step-mother, Camia. She practically raised Senobia after your mother’s demise. We married four years ago along with your sister and her husband, Onofrio de Iberia.” Once the introductions spread all around the guests were invited to dinner and more wine came forth on Tremiyo’s request.
Through all this the caravan chief related an awesome story. “After a long period of prosperity, I decided that a trip to China could double my good fortune. I traded and sold and bought things to trade and sell again. When the call from China grew too strong, I geared my assets in that direction. I did not set out to buy a boy. When he was offered to me, I rejected the idea. I was on my way to China. I did not need a young boy to worry about. But he appealed to me with those soulful brown eyes and I relented having lost my wife and only son not long before. It was quite a long time before he revealed who his father and mother were and where he lived. By then, we were too far from here to return him to you. I knew your Inn, my caravan rested there a few times. Samuel became my son. I came close to selling him to a ship’s captain. But I remembered he was your son and I did not need the money he would bring. I would not want my real son abused by a ship’s captain or crew. So, Samuel won a place in my concern for him. But, if I am allowed to say, I fell in love in China. Got married and spent almost three years in blissful honeymoon. My stock in trade dwindled while I lolled in my good fortune. Samuel and I lived a life of luxury while there. I arranged classes for him with a learned English Priest that traveled to that world. After a respectable length of time the Chinese authorities came to say that my presence in their country had exceeded their hospitality. They were not happy to have Chinese blood mixed with that of foreigners and would not allow me to bring my wife, Miyako out of their country. Unfair. Totally unfair.
Sam and I struggled to leave their precious country and find the way back to our own. We were attacked a few times by road bandits, I suspect came from the Chinese authorities. My goods were reduced to mere leftovers nobody would buy and some nights we went hungry. He would periodically go into spells where nothing pleased him, except to go home to Tremiyo and Sintia. He wanted to live over La posada Inn again. He often said that it was the happiest time of his life. That dream never left him. When I lost my eye, he was there to look after me like a devoted son. Again when I took an arrow in my leg he withdrew the shot and did all he knew to do to make it well. Had it not been for him, gangrene may have claimed me. Through cold nights and despair He’s been there when I needed a friend or a nudge on my behind to keep me moving. As a son, he repaid the price I paid for him in joy alone. I would be less a man if I did not grant him his wish to come home to his rightful father. He’s my son too and most likely love him as much as you. The way has not been easy, but here we are.” The group around Amin Hassan were glued to his every word. Camia held on to Onofrio’s arm as she struggled to keep her heart in check. She physically feared that Sintia would appear next. And if she reappeared what would Camia do? Samuel spoke out with resolve. “After we spend some time together, I want to go search for the men that kidnapped me and killed my mother. I saw the beaded one strike her very hard with the pommel of his knife then peeled off her clothes to do what he wanted even though she was dead. She was weak from hunger and his tormenting her with constant attacks. I want to find them and kill all three of them.” His voice was an echo of rage too long in storage. “Amin and I have been asking about them. Nobody seems to know where they went.”
Before Tremiyo gave thought to his mind he put his hand on Samuels shoulder and clearly stated. “They’re dead and buried. I hunted them down and killed two of them. I decapitated the bearded one. The third one I left for the jackals and buzzards but he survived long enough to accuse me of murder and I was convicted for it. I served on a slave ship then got sold to a rich merchant in Macedonia. Serou, the master of this estate bought me to eventually become Stewart of his domain. When he felt I had paid my debt, he granted total freedom to me and your sister. We thought it over very carefully and chose to remain here.”
Conversation, wine, good food and joyful company found its way to midnight. The moon overhead was a glowing disk of light that rivaled daytime and the stars seemed to fade in such brilliance. Camia was first to resign from the circle of happy voices. With baby Angelica in her arms, she went to put the baby to bed. Followed by Senobia with heavy weight Horacio. Onofrio had a hundred questions he wanted to ask
his new brother in law. But saw it fit to take baby Sintia from Tremiyo’s weary arm nest and put her to bed. Tremiyo was best left alone with his newly found son.
Two weeks of stories by Samuel filled Tremiyo’s life with boundless joy. Camia, the one that thought she would be left out of the family circle responded vigorously when Tremiyo demonstrated his need for her presence in all the festivities. Tremiyo took his son to all his routine stops in the city and introduced him to all his contacts.
Suddenly Samuel had a host of friends and admirers he never imagined before. Often Camia and baby Sintia joined in these journeys into town. It made the complete family group Tremiyo had often dreamed of.
Serou’s villa by the lake had been completely remodeled. It was like a new home for the wealthy. His sense of hospitality added to the joy he saw in his long time friend and companion. Tremiyo opened the doors to the villa for Samuel and Amin Hassan. It has been said many times that a man can be removed from his caravan ways. But you cannot remove the caravan ways from the man. Soon Amin Hassan had pitched his tent by the lake and had his camels secured nearby. There he was happy, not inside rock walls and cozy bedse was not happy living in comfort, he missed the hardship of road life. There was glory in hard earned rest. China was still an unforgotten call. He explained his feelings to Samuel and alerted him to his sudden disappearance when it came about. Adding that he could never stand painful departures. It was best for him to leave with his sorrows silently in his pocket.
Tremiyo was busy making his son’s stay as comfortable as possible. Whereas Samuel was soon bored with the controlled routine in which his father lived. He was unable to accept free meals and the money his father offered and stayed busy with menial tasks to justify the expense of keeping him . Tremiyo told him countless times that he need not concern himself with anything. His needs were Tremiyo’s needs and that after all this time home was the best place to be. And he was home. “I cannot stay papa, I have a lust to wander. The manager of my soul ha become a very restless gypsy. But I’d like to do some useful work in my travels. What can you tell me of this woman named Magdalene? Trail talk says that She is the silent leader of the pack that runs with Jesus of Nazareth, a prophet of dubious distinction. I’m interested in knowing more about her friend Claudia the wife of Pontius Pilate. It is said they became friends while serving as priestesses at the temple of Isis. Some real saucy stores seem to follow those two women.”
The description of Iesus by young Samuel was a hard slap to the face of Tremiyo. He found it difficult to turn the other cheek. It’s never easy to forgive loud voices short on knowledge and Samuel was his son too long lost to jeopardize a rift between them. Hard set minds take time to turn around. After a long breath and a slow release Tremiyo spoke in measured words, “I (sigh) think I have a solution to your quest. Your brother-in-law Onofrio is often in Pilate’s audience with
Work he and Serou do for Yerushalayim and the Hebrew council. Pilate is in search of a chariot driver to take him where he needs to go. The same charioteer will escort his wife Claudia, where she wants to go. If he accepts you, it will put you at the fountain of your quest. As for Magdalene, ask anybody on the street and you will hear a dozen concepts to the saucy stories you have heard from far away critics with old worn out information. Your concept of Iesus, I will let the street and Onofrio guide you to a better understanding.
Meet Pontius Pilate
To greet the first light of day was a ritual practiced by Onofrio since childhood. Nature called to his soul for daily praise. A delicate shade of mauve tinted the eastern horizon with tiny flecks of gold peeping through transparent veils of clouds. Overhead fading stars seemed to bid him goodbye. He knew them well and cherished their presence. Senobia was asleep on her side with a toy doll on her pillow as a childhood companion she refused to abandon. It was Adonis.
He would dress for the occasion and take Samuel before Pilate to introduce him and request the position of charioteer. Tremiyo was his usual commanding officer in the vast kitchens of Serou. Samuel spit polished and looking anxious waited by the huge table that served as Tremiyo’s headquarters desk. Outside the window people were already working harvesting, weeding and planting the vast garden. Soon trays of breakfast choices began to arrive. The delectable aroma of fresh baked bread, bowls of honey, figs, dates and milk drinks were a virtual feast for young Samuel not accustomed to such abundance. Small selections of cheeses, containers with melted butter to go on hot bread, the smell of it all could rouse a man from deep sleep. A familiar servant girl brought a tray of Red and orange pomegranates and put it close to Tremiyo’s usual place. The ritual of breakfast had become routine for Onofrio who dug in with zest. It was long time since dinner last night.
After what seemed an eternity, two young men appropriately dressed waited in obvious anticipation to see Pontius Pilate. The governor was in a fierce screaming contest with a host of Hebrew priests. He pounded his fist on a table and in resolve terminated the interview with the disgruntled dignitaries. They left in anger and ill content. No question about it, they called Pilate everything in the book of Hebrews except a son of god. It was in the Hebrew council’s system to always leave a point to discuss further at another time. It was a strategy to win time and turn an argument in their favor. It worked. The governor took time to himself, apparently some cooling off time. Seemingly refreshed, he even had his hair re-brushed into place and wore a long burgundy tunic with gleaming white sleeves. The garment announced royalty with its gold braid trim in symmetrical oblong patterns down his arms. He returned to attend a gentleman ahead of Samuel and Onofrio. Their business was conducted swiftly, congenially and with the proper handshakes, the man was escorted out a secondary door. After pushing around some forms on his huge desk, he looked up as if he just now recognized Onofrio. It seemed a pointless gesture but Onofrio chose to ignore it. He was expected to look busy. He seemed to reassure himself or perhaps Onofrio imagined it. Pilate nonetheless took a deep breath and visibly rearranged his face then extended his hand to Onofrio like a long lost kin. The man could be a genial host under the proper circumstances. He greeted Onofrio warmly even if his voice sounded a bit insincere. “Onofrio de Serou, it’s good to see you. What brings you to me this day? With matching sincerity Onofrio grasped the Roman forearm salute and smiled amiably.
“I bring my newly recovered brother-in-law to present to you as a new citizen of Yerushalayim. This is Samuel son of Tremiyo, Stewart of the house of Serou.” “Onofrio, you don’t need to remind me of Tremiyo’s social station. I know who Tremiyo is.” A bit annoyed the governor soon lost his geniality but quickly recovered it. “ I heard about the lost boy being restored to his father by a caravan leader. I’m glad to know for sure it was the son of Tremiyo. But, please tell me first. Please. Is he Jewish? Laughingly and understanding why the question came about. Onofrio had to assure the governor, “No sir. His father is from Iberia and his mother was true Greek. And three men found joy in laughter. “We learned that you seek a charioteer to take you on your daily business and also escort the lady Claudia to her needs although it is known that she is a good chariot driver. Since Samuel refuses to accept money from his father, we came to ask you to consider this young man for your needs and those of your wife.”
“I have a charioteer already,” Pontius replied giving thought to the offer. Slowly, he came to Samuel as if to gauge the boy barely in his twenties. A young hardy individual, his looks, profile and general appearance met approval. Since he didn’t look Jewish. He could make use of such a young man. Might even give his household staff something new to think about. He was confident of his wife’s fidelity to think anything out of propriety regarding her. Claudia was stain proof virtue in the flesh.
“Be here in the morning, I’ll have someone outline your duties and escort you to my home for your quarters there and equipment you’ll be using. Bring your clothes, you’ll not be going home soon. You have much to learn about my requirements. I yell loud, but you’ll learn I bite easy. Pontius reached to a container on his desk and retrieved two gold coins of respectable denomination and gave them to Samuel. “Have a haircut and a professional shave. You’re too young to grow a respectable beard. So shave off that fuzz. I expect to see a good
Roman style haircut next time I see you. Have Onofrio help you buy some clothes suitable to your new position. You want to look, clean and impressive being in the governor’s company. I don’t run a caravan of camels and donkeys here. You now represent Rome. You must look the part. Take lessons from your new brother-in-law, he has much to teach you.” “With a tone of finality the interview was terminated and Pontius went to his next challenge waiting in the hallway.
Leaving the praetoriun for their chariot Samuel was a long time silent. Wild thoughts running like a scared creature through his mind. Suddenly he wasn’t sure he wanted the position. It called for routine, confinement, restrictions and the same boring place every day. He was forced to question why he wanted the position in the first place. He listened to camp fire stories about the Prophet, Iesus. His women, that all loved him and paid to hear him simply speak. Women that paid for his food, clothes and provided him with sleeping accommodations, almost every night. Elaborate fantasies exploded from those exaggerated campfire chapters. He wanted to meet the disciple’s disciple and her Priestess friend, Claudia the Procurators wife. Now that the door was flung wide open to all that, Samuel was awed by his own ambition. He felt as though it was far more than he anticipated.
He never dreamed that his goal could be so easily attained. But here he was living in his father’s house, treated like an honored guest. He now had money in his purse, a paid trip to the barber with all the trimmings and new clothes to show for no effort of his own.
Could he copy the works of the Nazarene and preach his way to China, all expenses paid plus gratuities and special favors? He could install many definitions to the term “special favors.”
Onofrio did not feel qualified to discuss the works of the Nazarene. Iesus’ mission was best explained by Mary of Magdala. Now known as the disciple of the disciples within closed circles.
At a place where disciples of Iesus were known to meet Onofrio bought lunch complete with wine. Lounging at ease they waited for familiar faces to show up. The wine girl had shown an interest in Onofrio before and seemed glad to see him today. He gestured her to come close and quietly asked, “Do you know where I can find Mary of Magdala today?” Almost angry she raised to full posture to ask, “Why her? There’s others younger and prettier. Then there’s me.” Onofrio waved his hands before her face and pointed a finger for her to see. He dipped his finger in his wine glass and outlined the image of a fish on the table and pointed to Samuel. “Ooh, she said happily. For him? She has the experience he might need as young as he is.” The girl was a one tract mind in the flesh. “It’s important we find her,” Onofrio added with a coin in his finger tips. “I’ll find out. Be back in a few minutes,“ the girl stated and went into the crowd. Shortly after the girl returned. “I know where she might be later. But it’s going to cost you two coins. One for me and one for my husband.” “Your husb—?” Onofrio almost blurted out. “Well”, the girl responded “you went off and got married without asking me first.” She made a successful grab at her coin and held her other hand palm up with fingers signaling “gimme.” Onofrio complied with a smile and the girl reported “they Meet at the cave of the nativity in Bethlehem at dark, tonight. Magdalene is preaching.” The men stood up to leave and for pure boyish meanness Onofrio smacked her on the butt and asked, “Couldn’t wait for me, Huh?” “Well, I would have, if you asked me,” was her naïve reply. The incident produced a laugh among brothers. Both knowing the girl would always be a bedroom toy and perhaps never a permanent fixture.
Samuel was first to bring up the subject of Iesus and his teachings that had the world in a stir all the way to China. He wanted to know if the man wore magician’s clothes when he performed healing miracles and made the dead walk and breathe again. His own laughter when he presented his view was cause for Onofrio to decide that his brother-in-law would have to decide for himself what the virtues of Iesus were. To impose his views at this time may not serve their relationship well. That point made clear in Onofrio’s mind, he stated it clearly to Samuel. “Every man should place his faith within the realm of his own understanding and acceptance. A man should depend solely on himself and not be influenced by others. A man that can do that becomes dedicated to his convictions.” As if the book had been shut, the inquiry met an end.
The way to Bethlehem was a mere five and a half miles. An easy stroll for his tireless horses. Once away from Yerushalayim the road grew lonely for travelers. For a short distance they had the road all to themselves. Then the few walking people they passed multiplied into tens and soon they multiplied again into twenties. Next the road was congested with travelers that spooked the horses and made it difficult to navigate safely. Samuel laughed quietly and stated, “Looks like the circus come to town.” No comment from the driver.
The cave of the Nativity was reputed to be the birthplace of Iesus of Nazareth. Although never truly confirmed, it basked in the fame and attention just the same. The businesses close by all prospered without mercy and each merchant could guide you to the precise location of the birth of Iesus, for a fee of course.
In a field reserved for animals, Onofrio found a barn to shelter and care for his horses. He paid the man a fee in advance and asked his horses be fed quality grain and fresh grass with clean water. “Treat my animals right and there will be more of this, when we return,” and he plunked down some coins in the man’s open palm.
Language and attire went berserk as the melee grew denser close to the entrance of the cave. Vendors tried to attract attention to their wares by a heedless crowd. Screams and yells became the language of the mob. Shoves and pushes the message of the day. Finally they entered a vast room that glowed with torch lights. At the front of
the congregation, stood a woman dressed in all white. Regal, stone hard yet in unquestioned feminine grace. Surrounded by men of respectable stature, she was the Focal point of the gathering. Samuel like a boy gone to circus was amused and curious as to what this attractive woman offered that drove this crowd into a frenzy?
With arms spread out and without a word spoken, Maria de Magdala brought the restless crowd to a receding hum. Then respectful silence. The humor seeking young Samuel was awed by such a silent command so graciously accepted without argument.
“I am Mary of Magdala. I am one of you among you. I seek solace for my heart at our loss of the son of God, Iesus of Nazareth. I come before you as a student of his words, deeds and mission on earth. I am honored to the highest degree that I should be his spoke person. I bring to you the keys to your salvation from sin. I bring to you the door knob to heaven. I will attempt to lay that knob to heaven in your hands, here. Tonight. The words I speak to you come from my heart and my heart is guided by my trust in our Lord and savior, Iesus.
Six days before the Passover,
Jesus came to Bethany. They
made him a supper; Martha
served and Lazarus was one
of those at the table with him.
Mary took a pound of costly
Nard and anointed the feet
of Jesus and wiped his feet
with her hair; and the house
was filled with the fragrance
of the ointment.
John 12: 1-3 KJV
THE TRIUMPHANT ENTRY
Come, drop your branches, strow the way,
Plants of the day!
Whom sufferings make most green and gay.
The king of grief, the man of sorrow
Weeping still, like the wet morrow,
Your shades and freshness come to borrow.
Put on, put on your best array;
Let the joyed road make holy-day,
And flowers, that into field do stray,
Or secret groves, keep the high-way.
Trees, flowers and herbs; birds beasts and stones.
That since man fell, expect with groans
To see the lamb, come, all at once,
Lift up your heads and leave your moans!
For here comes he whose death will be
Man’s life, and your full liberty.
Hark! How the children shrill and high
“Hosanna” cry;
Their joys provoke the distant sky,
Where thrones and seraphim reply;
And their own angels shine and sing
Into a bright ring;
Such young, sweet mirth
Makes heaven and earth
Join in joyful symphony.
Henry Vaughan 1622-1695
The crowd cheered unanimously and those that did not understand followed suit to keep from looking ignorant. If the majority agreed, it must be right.
“I was at the cross where he was crucified. I was there with his mother and her aunt Mary Salome. We were united in agony and faith that his ordeal was not suffered in vain. And yes, I loved him. I loved him dearly from the very depths of my soul. He was my brother. He was my mentor. He was my soul mate but never my lover.” And she pointed a finger to heaven for emphasis. “Our God in heaven works many miracles for those of us that have the strength to answer to his demands. Within this crowd is a man, a young man whom many of you may know. He is Onofrio el Segundo, adopted son of Serou. If I am not imposing, I will ask this young warrior of faith to speak to you about his assignment given to him directly from God.
He was given the task of building the cross on Which Iesus died. Without that cross, the keys to salvation would not exist. Iesus died on that painful cross to sanctify us from our sins. He paid the penalty for all of us. Without that cross, I would not have the door knob to heaven to give you. Accept Iesus as the Lord of your life here in this place of Devine blessings. For it was in this area that my Lord Iesus was born. It was here that the keys to eternal salvation first saw light. It is here tonight, shedding light and asking with arms wide open that you come into his arms and be eternally free of sin, that you may dwell in paradise.” Samuel looked up to his brother-in-law to see rivers of crystal tears rolling down his face. He thought he saw a golden crown around his head, but it was only the flickering light from the torches playing in his hair. Onofrio’s head was bowed in deep reverence and remained speechless. His heart beat to a rhythm he never felt before. It was musical, it was warm, it was inspiring to speak and yet he could not. It was his brother-in-law that broke the spell, “What’s the matter? Devil got your tongue?”
Samuel’s quirky look on his face shone brightly in the torch light. And Onofrio saw Senobia in her brother’s face. She would be proud of her husband if he spoke to this group about his day with Iesus at Golgotha. He need not go to Iberia and tell the crowds of his day with the Lord. The crowds had come to him. Sent to him by God. There could be no other explanation. Armed with her love in his left side secret pocket the young warrior of faith politely began to excuse himself through the crowd, followed by Samuel. Halfway to the front a hand reached out to Onofrio. It was the once ragged jeweler that designed his wedding rings and was present at Golgotha. “If you need me to confirm what you say. I am your witness. I was there also, remember?” Gently Onofrio accepted the man’s assistance and pointed to the head of the crowd. Never in his wildest dream had he expected to be so cheered. And yet here was the echo of adoration of which he felt unworthy. He was only a working man doing his job. And he did it for money and that part seemed to hurt the most. “Rather than me telling you of my day with Iesus perhaps I can answer your anxiety better by answering ten questions. I will answer ten questions, like the ten commandments written by God’s finger for Moses on a stone tablet.” Had not an old woman and Centurion Clemidius told him that he had the power to lead when he found the reins of his destiny? Yes, they had and was this his destiny? To stand before a crowd of strangers and offer them salvation of their sins and a place to reside in heaven? He Looked to the sky not visible from inside the cave and had to plead, “Lord I am in your hands. Lead me to where I can do the most good.” Samuel and the jeweler stood back as if gently pushed aside by an unseen force. A gruff looking man pushed himself forward, “I have the first question” And waved his hands to silence all. “Is this raggedly carpenter from the pits of Nazareth really the son of God? Answer loudly because I want to hear you condemn yourself to eternal hell for lying to these good people. They came here for a dose of faith not a bag of lies. So think well before you answer.” Suddenly Onofrio felt a calm overtake him. He felt at peace. The momentary annoyance this rude man caused simply slipped off his shoulders with ease.
“A very good question sir, I think that question dwells in the mind of most people here. I welcome it and will personally give you my best answer. How many of you good people here believe in the Greek God Zeus. Fear not, answer with hands raised.” And many hands went into the air. “How many of you believe in Jupiter, god of Rome?” And a separate selection of hands took to the air.
“Both these gods came to earth on missions of godly design. Both of these gods became fathers to earthly beings by way of human females. Jesus is the son of the god Yehwah. An unknown god by many but no less Devine. He performed his first miracle by instilling in holy Mary of Nazareth a child and not disturb her virginity. That virginity existed after the child was delivered. Physical evidence of that existence was verified by the women that examined her personally. One woman’s hand was gnarled to disfigurement for doubting the works of Yahweh. With that as proof, I answer your question. Yes, Jesus is the son of God and He was sent here on a godly mission just like Zeus and Jupiter. None of those old gods promised eternal salvation, a clean soul on which to rest in eternal peace. The most precious element in man is his soul and it’s given free of charge by Yahweh. But please allow me to answer your question further. Think on this, sir.” And Onofrio unwillingly saw the face of Satan on his tormentor but it did not stop him.
“God changes caterpillars into butterflies by death and resurrection. He makes pearls from sand and converts coal into diamonds. Using time and pressure, He is also working on you, sir. Tonight, God has installed an embryo of faith in your heart. Given time it will grow.”
Onofrio had never been intimidated by aggressive forces. He had lived with some to them and overcome their infestation of his soul. To the best of his borrowed ability, he answered nine more questions and was won over by booming applause. He learned on the spot to respect the power of adoration. It could consume the soul given a chance.
Magdalene beckoned him to her side. She thanked him profusely and Onofrio took the opportunity to push this follow-every-step Samuel into her presence. “The reason I came to you is because my brother-in-law Samuel wanted to meet you and perhaps be of service to you. He is in quest of knowledge regarding the Nazarene.”
-
Elgin Hushbeck, Jr.: Unity
by Elgin Hushbeck, Jr., Engineer, teacher, Christian apologist, and author of Preserving Democracy, What is Wrong with Social Justice?, Christianity and Secularism, and Evidence for the Bible.
Currently I am teaching through the book of Philippians, the central message of which I believe is not joy, but a call for unity for the sake of the Gospel. While the letter does not provide the details of what was going on, there seems to have been at least two factions, if not more striving for power/control among the Christians in that city. This power struggle was having consequences, the most serious being that it was threatening the spread of the Gospel. Thus, Paul’s letter, ostensibly to explain why Epaphroditus was being sent back, was at its core, a call to unity.
At the time, Paul was awaiting trial with a possible death sentence, still his focus remained on the spread of the Gospel. He points out that some were trying to preach the Gospel because they were “selfishly ambitious and insincere, thinking that they will stir up trouble for me during my imprisonment.” Given the stakes, one could easily expect Paul to be angry about this, after all his life was on the line. Yet instead, Paul’s reaction was, “But so what? Just this—that in every way, whether by false or true motives, the Messiah is being proclaimed. Because of this, I rejoice and will continue to rejoice.”
How could Paul do this? How could he rejoice that some people were trying to stir up trouble that could result in him being executed? He makes this clear a few verses later as he begins to transitions to the core message of the letter. For Paul, “The only thing that matters is that you continue to live as good citizens in a manner worthy of the gospel of the Messiah” (1:27).
The core of the letter is found in the first four verses of Chapter 2:Therefore, if there is any encouragement in the Messiah, if there is any comfort of love, if there is any fellowship in the Spirit, if there is any compassion and sympathy, 2then fill me with joy by having the same attitude, sharing the same love, being united in spirit, and keeping one purpose in mind. 3Do not act out of selfish ambition or conceit, but with humility think of others as being better than yourselves. 4Do not be concerned about your own interests, but also be concerned about the interests of others.
Note that this is not unity for unity’s sake. Nor is it a call for all to be the same. In places like Romans 14 Paul makes clear he is not calling for sameness. In Romans 14 Paul addresses some disputes that had arisen within the Church at Rome. Now he could have settled these by simply declaring the correct answer. After all, these were not trivial issues. One of them was what days should you worship (v 5). If Christians cannot agree on the day of worship, how can they worship together?
Yet Paul did not give us the “correct” answer. Instead what he writes is a much more difficult teaching, “let’s keep on pursuing those things that bring peace and that lead to building up one another” (Romans 14:19). Basically, he says stop bugging each other about the points of contentions, but rather focus on the points of agreement and build up one another.
Thus, this is not a call to sameness, or even to abandon our beliefs in these areas. It is a call to reorder our priorities. It is a call to put our own priorities and agendas second, and put the Gospel first.
How do we do this? After all, how can we work with “those people?” They are not even real Christians, they believe / do not believe X? Granted, there is a line here. I do not believe I could associate myself in any way with the Westboro Baptist Church, whose methods and tactics are flat out evil, and in my mind harmful to the Gospel. So, I am not saying that we should be completely nonjudgmental in such matters.
Aristotle in his ethics had what is called the Doctrine of the Mean (i.e., middle). He points out that too often we look at things in terms of opposites. One is either a coward or courageous. This false choice has convinced far too many people to do things that were truly stupid, lest they be seen as a chicken. Aristotle points out that what we see as a binary choice is really a range of choices from rashness to cowardice, where true courage is in the middle. Often, It takes courage to do not only what is right, but also not to do what is wrong, especially if our friends are doing it.
Furthermore, Aristotle points out that we all have tendencies, in the case of the example above, either to be rash, or to be a coward. We should therefore be aware of our own tendencies and factor this in when it comes to trying to decide on a course of action. Do we tend towards rashness? If so, we should err on the side of caution. Do we tend towards cowardice? Then we should err on the side of boldness. In this way, we are much more likely to be closer to where we should be.
While this will vary from individual to individual, when it comes to the question of unity for the Gospel, the history of the church is pretty clear as to where on the range of unity vs division Christians as a whole have fallen. Far too often Christians have divided over such fine points of doctrine that only the most theologically informed really understand even the disagreement, much less the significance. Thankfully that has greatly diminished in the last 50 years. But it is something we should be vigilant against. A question we should ask is are we letting our agenda take precedent over, and interfere with, the spread of the Gospel? -
Edward W. H. Vick: Doubt
by Dr. Edward W.H. Vick, retired professor and author of From Inspiration to Understanding: Reading the Bible Seriously and Faithfully, Philosophy for Believers, Creation: The Christian Doctrine, History and Christian Faith and more!
How utterly disheartening it is when you are in the thick of serious questions and doubts to be told that you should not be questioning and doubting. If you’re in the middle of a storm, it’s no help to be told that you should not be there. What you then need is a helping hand, a sharing mind. And the more important the questions are to you, the more urgent will be your desire for clarity, proper consideration, and decision.
When we were children we did not have to be taught to accept what our parents and teachers said. There was no other alternative but to accept. They were there first. But we grow up and we learn more than we knew as children. We begin to have the problem of sorting out the answers we learned and even the questions we should now be asking. This produces more questions and, most likely, confusion and frustration. No one who thinks at all gets through this stage of life without doubting.
At this stage, the people who think they know every answer, or worse still, every question, are the ones who may be able to help us the least. People who have gone through an experience similar to ours a long time ago, and who have now found working answers to their questions, may have forgotten how hard-won their conclusions and attitudes were. It’s easy once you’ve found a working answer to problems which were once important to us and forget or overlook the process of struggle that led up to our present positions. It is easy then to be unsympathetic. That happens when once has become very certain of the answer one has attained.
There is, of course, a very different attitude. Having experienced a struggle, more or less intense, to achieve one’s present position, one can then reflect on that process. It becomes obvious on reflection that others who have achieved some certainty through the process of doubting have also had tensions, struggles, and opposition. Realising that is often the case, one may be ready to be sympathetic to them, and willing to give support and help as it is needed.
Those who have not gone through what we go through in this period simply live in a different world from us, and speak to us in a language which does not connect. We hear the words and see the concern. We know their affection and appreciate it. Yet sometimes the very finality and placidity with which we are told what they believe what their new attitudes and positions are disarms us. Their position differs from ours and is considered unsatisfactory. It may even, if we are deeply troubled by dogmatism, lead us to reject not only the answer that but also the very quest in which we are participating. It may even lead top alienation. Fortunately sometimes respect and even affection can survive the emergence of drastic differences of belief. This is a gesture of despair, but quite an understandable one.
To those who have difficulty finding people who will treat their questions seriously and with understanding, I say: ‘Do not be put off from the quest for truth and for life. Keep asking. Keep searching. And try, meanwhile, to be loving. If you don’ t appear to be understood, then turn the tables by trying, as far as possible, to be understanding.’
It might help if I made an explicit distinction for you to think about. It is one thing to ask questions about what faith means. It is another thing to give up the faith.
Because you have questions about the faith does not mean at all that you are giving up the faith. Do not let anybody persuade you that it does. If you are alert you will have serious questions. If your faith is vital and healthy, it will give rise to inquiry, to careful thought, to examination of answers you did not question as a child. One of the emancipating discoveries you can make is that Christian faith is big enough to permit the believer to live with questions, and to go on living with questions.
To some questions there simply is no intellectually satisfying answer. For example, I have yet to read an intellectually satisfying answer to the problem of suffering. Indeed I do not believe that one is possible. There will always be room to doubt the goodness of God. I believe that God is good. But my faith in God does not depend upon the answer to this problem being satisfying to my mind. This does not mean of course that I shouldn’t seek the very best explanation I can get.
While to some questions there is no finally satisfying answer, there is an answer to the mystery of life – the answer of faith in Jesus as Lord. When Jesus is found, then the process of inquiry and of questioning is put into a context where it has both significance and direction.
Life is not God’s reward for cleverness in solving problems. It is a gift he offers us because we need it. When we accept and live out of the grace he gives, joy is larger than frustration.
How do you mark off what is beyond doubt from what you may doubt, and what you must doubt, what is indubitable from what may be doubted? Why do you not doubt if you feel you should? There is no virtue in resolving, ‘I will not doubt’. You maintain a belief because no alternative has yet been offered to you or come to your attention. You have asked questions and may be in the process of finding answers that provide you with satisfaction. Questioning is not doubting, but it is often a pathway that leads us to revise our understanding, to revise our beliefs. But you maintain a belief or set of beliefs because it is comfortable to be accepted by other believers. You may forget that life and understanding become richer as new perspectives emerge. But guidance is often needed even if it is not sought.
We have distinguished faith from belief. We distinguish ‘the faith’ from beliefs held within its context. Because you have questions about the faith does not mean that you are giving up the faith. Do not let anybody persuade you that it does. If you are alert, you will have serious questions. If your faith is vital and healthy, it will give rise to inquiry, to careful thought, to examination of answers you did not question as a child, or have not questioned since. One of the emancipating discoveries you can make is that Christian faith is big enough to permit the believer to live with questions, and to go on living with questions. -
Bob Cornwall: Religion and Human Rights
by Dr. Robert D. Cornwall, pastor and author, from his blog, Ponderings on a Faith Journey. Author of Faith in the Public Square, Ultimate Allegiance: The Subversive Nature of the Lord’s Prayer, Unfettered Spirit: Spiritual Gifts for the New Great Awakening, Marriage in Interesting Times: A Pariticipatory Study Guide,and more!
On the evening of March 21st, I had the privilege of being one of three speakers at a Niagara Foundation sponsored Abrahamic Dinner. This event was held at Rochester College, and brought together members of the Islamic, Jewish, and Christian communities — to promote dialog and understanding. Each of us, a Rabbi, an Imam, a Christian pastor, was asked to speak to the ways in which our faith traditions understand human rights, and whether this overlaps with or differs from secular understandings. We were asked to speak from the perspective of our own faith tradition, which is difficult when Christianity’s 2 billion adherents are divided into thousands of denominations and sects. Nonetheless, I did my best! As for my partners, the Rabbi went first, and I didn’t find much if anything to disagree with. In fact, he set me up nicely! As for the Imam, I learned a lot about the flexibility of Islamic law, which allows for support of human rights (more so perhaps than secular American law).
Since this is an important conversation, I decided to share some of what I said. Below you will find my answer to the first question, which dealt with my traditions codes of human rights and relationship to secular codes. Before I share below, I want to add that I agree completely with the Rabbi’s statement that the Jewish tradition, and the Christian tradition following it, speaks not of rights but obligations. That said, I invite you to consider my response:
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